‘Tis the season in a time that is difficult for many and challenging for most. The pressure to give gifts worthy of our relationships calls and it is very difficult to answer without spending beyond our means. Yet the simple truth is that no amount of money can buy what matters most to those we love.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing. Those who understand the retail industry know that the sales garnered in these few weeks make or break the annual profitability of most stores. It is especially critical for small independent stores like those that line our Main Streets.

Main Street Margaretville was abuzz with people and activities on Saturday. Whether there to shop, watch or participate in the parade, a multitude of people were there following the dream of one person.

It is Thanksgiving week and whatever our circumstances, there is much for which we can be thankful. Top of the list is that we are living in times dynamic enough to have spawned the likes of Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Charles of Britain and Wendy Evanitsky.

Just as I was sitting to write this column, an eight-point buck bounded into my yard. He stood less than 50 feet from my door; his rack arched up and back as he surveyed the territory. After deeming it secure, he snapped the ends off low lying branches, munched on the high grasses and flox in my garden and made a small parade of himself.